BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
Name
Susie Anderson
What course did you study?
Primary Education
Year of graduation
2017
Where are you from originally?
Northern Ireland
Why University of Cumbria, what attracted you?
The small numbers within a group and that the lecturers all knew who you were and you weren’t just a number. Carlisle is so central to travel from either to get home or to travel around the UK. The lecturers for Carlisle were all very friendly, helpful and supportive.
Job title
Teacher
Current employer
Portstewart Primary School
What sector/industry do you work in?
Education
Briefly describe your role and responsibilities
Teaching children in year 4.
Briefly describe your career progression from graduation to where you are now
I got a temporary position in Portstewart Primary when I graduated and have remained there.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
Working with children and doing the job I wanted to have.
What are your ambitions, now and in the future?
To progress to be the head or deputy head of a primary school.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when you just graduated?
Don’t be disheartened (especially if you are from NI) that you won’t get a job. If you work hard and put yourself out there a job will come your way.
What top tips would you give to new alumni who are wishing to pursue a similar career to you?
Focus on making sure your CV is up to date and hand-deliver it to schools in Northern Ireland. Networking is very important!
Do you have any support messages for the class of 2020, just embarking on their careers during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Don’t give up on developing yourself and your skills now that you’ve finished university, always be looking out for the next opportunity or course that you can do to enhance your CV and make you stand out from everybody else.